Scouting report
+ Promising young center who took a step forward offensively last season and now must do the same on D
+ Efficient post scorer. Also dangerous rolling to the basket in pick-and-roll situations
+ Underrated rim protector. Struggles when asked to defend on perimeter

Analysis
Even though Valanciunas is no longer in a contract year after agreeing to a four-year, $64 million extension in August, this is still a key season for his development. Amir Johnson's departure takes away Valanciunas' security blanket and means he must step into the role of defensive anchor to make his new contract the bargain it appears.

Last season did see Valanciunas make good on the offensive potential he'd flashed in Europe. He improved his 2-point percentage from 53.1 percent to 57.2 percent while increasing his share in Toronto's offense. Valanciunas was one of the league's best post scorers on a per-play basis. His 51.3 percent shooting on post-ups ranked third among players with at least 100 attempts per Synergy Sports tracking on NBA.com/Stats. Valanciunas was even more efficient on rare pick-and-roll opportunities, shooting an excellent 57.9 percent on just 57 attempts. He's also an accurate free throw shooter for a big man, making 78.6 percent last season, and has been reasonably accurate on his occasional midrange looks.

An intimidating paint presence, Valanciunas held opponents to a relatively good shooting percentage (46.5 percent) within five feet of the hoop, per SportVU tracking on NBA.com/Stats. Still, Valanciunas finds himself a half-step late as a help defender on a regular basis. His limited agility is also an issue defending on the perimeter and was one reason Johnson frequently finished games at center in place of Valanciunas. Without that option this season, Valanciunas will have to be ready on D.

Scouting report
+ Emerged as crafty post scorer during breakthrough third NBA season
+ Can make hook shots with either post around the basket, and is a capable 3-point shooter
+ Plays both frontcourt positions, held his own as team's primary rim protector

Analysis
After playing fewer than 1,500 minutes combined in his first two seasons in Houston, Motiejunas made some noise about his role. Last season, injuries to Jones and Howard opened the door for Motiejunas to start 62 games and prove he's an NBA-caliber big man. Alas, the last Rockets frontcourt injury was to Motiejunas, who underwent season-ending back surgery just before the playoffs.He still wasn't back running by the start of training camp, which could put his availability for the beginning of the regular season in jeopardy.

Among players with at least 100 shots on post-ups, according to Synergy Sports tracking, Motiejunas' 53.4 percent shooting in the post was the league's best. Motiejunas can shoot hooks with either hand, and while his footwork in the post looks awkward at times, that actually works to his benefit because he stays on balance while defenders get out of position. On top of his post skills, Motiejunas realized his potential as an outside shooter in 2014-15, making 36.8 percent of his 3-point attempts. Given that combo, it's hard to believe Motiejunas had a true shooting percentage (.553) only somewhat better than league average (.534). Part of the problem is even the best post scorers aren't as efficient as other players. Motiejunas also generates relatively few free throw attempts, costing him easy opportunities.

Due to the injuries, Motiejunas started at both frontcourt positions. The team was far more effective with him at power forward, in part because he got to play with Howard. Houston allowed just 95.8 points per 100 possessions with both players on the court, per NBA.com/Stats -- a mark that would have led the league -- as compared to 102.9 when Motiejunas played without Howard. Motiejunas is a poor shot blocker for a center, so it's not surprising the Rockets were more effective defensively when he played with one.

David West will sign with the Spurs for the veteran minimum of roughly $1.5M after opting out of $12M with Indiana, according to ESPN & media sources (first reported by NBA.com). Sources say Cleveland, Golden State and Washington all offered West more money

The point guard and the Raptors have agreed to a 4-year deal worth $30M, according to Chris Broussard. Joseph is leaving the Spurs, where he backed up Tony Parker for the first four years of his career.

The Cavaliers are considering using Brendan Haywood's non-guaranteed contract to trade for seven-time All-Star Joe Johnson, who has one year and $24.9M left on his contract, sources tell ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

Kevin Pelton (ESPN): "O'Quinn was near the top of my as-yet-unwritten list of value free agents, and the Knicks are getting him on a great deal: four years and $16 million, according to ESPN's Ian Begley, less than other backup centers like Brandan Wright and Aron Baynes are getting over the next three years.

Ultimately, this was primarily a free-agent signing, and a good one. During his first three NBA seasons in Orlando, O'Quinn put up impressive numbers when adjusted for his limited playing time: 13.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes. He's even shown a little ability to stretch the floor from the center position, making 12 3-pointers last season, albeit at a 27.9 percent clip.

At 25, O'Quinn probably doesn't have a ton of additional upside, but he should be an above-average backup at worst and at best, possibly even an adequate starter at center. Getting that for less than the mid-level exception is excellent value. I project his value at $27 million over the next three years, more than O'Quinn will make over the length of the four-year contract."

Kosta Koufos susitarrė dėl 4 metų kontrakto su Sakramento Kings:
"The Sacramento Kings made their second major splash of the free-agent season, agreeing to terms on a four-year contract with Kosta Koufos. According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the deal is worth $33 million and includes a player option after the third year."

Roy Hibbertas greičiausiai papildys Lakers gretas:
"Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported the Lakers and Pacers are finalizing a deal that would send Hibbert to the Lakers. Los Angeles would take Hibbert's $15.5 million salary on with the Pacers receiving picks and the rights to overseas players. Wojnarowski reported the final issue being worked out by the teams is Hibbert's 15-percent, $2.3 million trade kicker that will be paid by the Pacers, but will impact the Lakers' cap room."